Tampa Bay waived linebacker Jack Pyburn on August 30, 2026, a move that comes even after he tallied four sacks in the preseason. This decision opens the door for Pyburn to potentially return to LSU, where he originally transferred from Florida in 2025, but make no mistake, it is not a done deal just yet.
From Undrafted Gem to Waiver Wire Drama
Can you believe this guy? Pyburn, an undrafted linebacker, absolutely lit up the preseason for the Buccaneers, grabbing an impressive four sacks. That kind of production usually secures a spot, or at least gets you a good look. Yet, here we are, with him hitting the waiver wire. The stakes are huge for him right now. If Pyburn clears waivers, meaning no other pro team claims him, he’s reportedly headed back to LSU, according to On3.com. However, if another NFL squad *does* pick him up, his contract gets inherited by that team, and standard NFL rules mean he cannot play football for any other team or league. That’s it for college then, and the ballgame changes entirely.
The Lawsuit That Could Flip the Script
So why is returning to LSU even a thing for a guy who just signed an NFL deal? It all comes down to a major legal battle Pyburn is involved in. He’s one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit pushing for the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility rule to apply retroactively. This is huge, and the players are currently winning the effort. Think about that for a second: the SEC has tried to slam the door shut on players who’ve already inked deals with NFL teams, but this lawsuit is saying, “Not so fast.” This whole situation is a massive showdown between the players and the NCAA, and it’s making waves across the league.
We are watching the next two days like hawks. Will Pyburn clear waivers and actually get to rejoin LSU, or will another team snatch him up, ending his college eligibility dreams? This whole situation is a wild card, and it shines a spotlight on the ongoing fight over player eligibility in college sports. Get ready to see how this plays out, because the implications could be massive for a lot of players.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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